Handheld hydration on the run.

It's always important to hydrate, but even more so when the sun is beating down and the temperature is ramping up. Every cell in your body needs water to function, to maintain body temperature, to transport nutrients and oxygen, and lubricate your joints. You are always fighting a losing battle and consistently losing water from your system as you sweat and breathe out water vapor.

A couple more hydration hints:

- for every 1000 kcalories you burn, drink 1 liter of water.

- drink 1 to 2 cups of water an hour before exercise.
- drink another 8 oz 20 minutes before exercise.
- drink another 4 to 8 oz every 15 minutes during exercise.
- drink 2 more cups of water for every pound lost after exercise.
- compensate for the diuretic effects of caffeine and alcohol with more water.

The best way to stay hydrated? Keep water available and always keep sipping.
Here is the rundown on some of the handheld bottles we carry in the shop to keep you hydrated and running smooth:

AMPHIPOD - Lite & Thermal Hydraform Bottles

Size: 12 oz, 20 oz
Weight: 2 oz, 4 oz
Hard-plastic, pull spout with leak-free lid

- BPA free
- low profile, 50% smaller cross section than average bottle.
- Hard-plastic, high-flow spout
- Low-Profile, thin & lightly padded strap
- Pocket with full-length zip for easy access
- Wide mouth to easily fill & clean
- Angled spout for easy pour
- Thermalite keeps contents cool/warm

"The shape and light weight of the Amphipod bottle is the biggest draw. They fit into your hand so that you don't feel like you have to grip onto the bottle while you are running. You really feel like the bottle is strapped snug on your hand. I also like how the zip on the pocket runs the full length so it is easy to get items in and out of the pocket. Also wider objects fit into the pocket easier."


NATHAN - QuickDraw & QuickDraw Plus

Size: 22 oz
Weight: 4 oz
One-way, high flow, soft silicone spout

Features:
- BPA free
- Made of soft, squeezable polyethlene
- Freeze-free silicone cap
- Wide-mouth to easily fill with ice and water & easily clean
- Internal channels eliminate need to turn upside-down
- Moisture-wicking, quick-dry mesh strap with lots of padding for comfort over the long haul
- zip-pocket on reverse side to carry keys, nutrition, etc.

"The strap on this bottle is a thick, quick-drying mesh with lots of padding for a comfy feel on longer runs. The spout is a soft silicone that you can easily pull out to take a sip and push back to seal it up. The U-shaped zip takes a little work to pull around with one hand and creates a lip that may catch items, but your keys and nutrition are very secure in this bottle."




ULTIMATE DIRECTION - Fastdraw Plus

Size: 12 oz, 20 oz
Weight: 4.25 oz
Single piece, "kicker-valve" spout

- BPA free
- Highly breathable & quick drying thin, air-mesh strap
- Wide mouth to easily fill with ice and water & easily clean
- Off centered spout to eliminate need to turn up-side down

-"Kicker valve" to easily open, sip & store water on the run.

"The most noticeable feature on the Ultimate Direction bottles is the kicker-valve. With a strong tug you will extend the valve to open it. To take a sip just bit down lightly on the valve. When you are done, kick the valve to the side and it will slide back to a locked and closed. The off centered position of the spout also enables you to enjoy every last drop of water without tweaking your neck in the effort."

Adventure Race at Home: The Oyster Off Road

Adventure Racing Defined:

A combination of two or more endurance disciplines, as well as orienteering to cover an unmarked, undetermined course through water, mountain pass, hill and dale. Traditionally a multiple day ordeal and potentially life threatening, the Oyster Off Road takes all the benefits of an adventure race and combines it with the conveniences of your typical fun run to create a high caliber Urban Adventure Race.


The course is secret and so are the challenges, but this much you do know:

• One day event with four to six "passports" or legs;
• "Passports" are presented the day of the event with directions to each checkpoint where a task will be awaiting you;
• You will participate in at least two endurance disciplines: running & biking (any additional equipment will be provided). Other possible challenges include trivia, zip line, eating, rafting, creeking, climbing and navigating;
• You may get wet;
• Recover with good eats, drinks and lawn space at the Deschutes Brewery!

For more hints, check out the Oyster Off Road video montage here and the event website to register or learn more.

The Oyster Off Road is Saturday, June 25th
benefiting the Deschutes River Conservancy

The Oyster Off Road is also in need of 65 volunteers.
If you are able to donate your time to support the Deschutes River Conservancy, come on out and cheer on the racers (and enjoy a cold beer and good food at Deschutes Brewery afterwards). Please contact Marisa Hossick at marisa@deschutesriver.org.